02 November 2008

WSAZ-TV hosted a forum for GOP gubernatorial nominee Russ Weeks and Mountain Party candidate Jesse Johnson, after "Democrat Joe Manchin declined WSAZ's offer to take part in the forum." A number of video clips accompany the online article.

AP previews this year's legislative races: all 100 seats in the House of Delegate are up for election, as are 17 of the 34 state Senate seats. AP hears from officials from both major parties on their prospects, and also analyzes the latest campaign finance filings.

The Journal fields GOP reaction to a campaign by a labor PAC, the West Virginia Building & Construction Trades, targeting several of their legislative incumbents and hopefuls.

AP takes an advance look at the ballot issue in Greenbrier County that would allow casino gambling at its world-famous resort. As AP's Tom Breen reports, because of an impasse between The Greenbrier and its workers, "union officials are appealing to voters in this southeastern West Virginia county to help the resort increase its revenues by adding gambling to its list of amenities."

The Journal previews an Eastern Panhandle Democratic rally headlined by national party official and local resident Alice Germond.

This blog draws its name from the statue that stands at the south steps of the state Capitol. Inspired by the poem of Vachel Lindsay, it honors the 16th president for his role in West Virginia's statehood. Photo courtesy of Legislature's Office of Reference & Information.

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I cover the Statehouse for The Associated Press. This is a personal blog. It's not AP-endorsed or otherwise part of the world's oldest and largest news gathering organization.
Any views expressed here are neither mine nor that of AP.
E-mail: lmessina AT gmail DOT com